Read about some of the latest updates on transportation projects in the Sugar Land-Missouri City area.

Sugar Land Trail Phases 1 & 2: The two connecting trails aim to make the city more walkable and bikeable by providing a path to cross under Hwy. 59 and beyond.

• Timeline: January 2026-January 2027 (Phase 1); January 2027-January 2028 (Phase 2)
• Cost: $10.91 million (Phase 1); $7.74 million (Phase 2)
• Funding sources: FTA grant and city of Sugar Land

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $1.5 million
• Funding source: Fort Bend County

• Cost: $1.02 million
• Funding source: 2021 bond

Retro Fitness has opened the doors at its second Greater Houston location in Stafford.

The overview: The fitness company, which has more than 200 locations open or in development across nine states, is known for its high-value, low-price approach, focusing on innovative fitness programs, state-of-the-art equipment and an inviting atmosphere, according to a Sept. 22 news release from the franchise.

More details: Retro Fitness offers members access to group classes, personalized training, red light therapy, a smoothie bar and a space for relaxation and recovery.

• 11751 W. Bellfort Ave., Stafford

At least 10 Greater Houston area Shoe Carnival locations are poised for a name change by back-to-school season in 2026.

The national retailer offers both name brand and private label merchandise including footwear and accessories, according to its website.

The big picture: Board members with the family footwear retailer Shoe Carnival announced Nov. 13 they unanimously voted to change the company name to Shoe Station, subject to approval from company shareholders ahead of its annual meeting in June 2026.

The following shoe stores are in the Greater Houston area, the list is not comprehensive:

• Northline Commons, 4436 Hwy. 290, Houston
• Gulfgate Shopping Center, 512 Gulfgate Center Mall, Houston
• Northwest Marketplace, 13784 Hwy. 290, Houston
• Southway Shopping Center, 8032 S. Gessner Road, Houston
• Almeda Crossing Shopping Center, 10011 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston
• Deerbrook Marketplace, 20506 Hwy. 59 N., Humble
• Price Plaza, 20280 Katy Freeway, Ste. A, Katy
• Victory Lakes Town Center, 2544 Gulf Freeway S., League City
• Conroe Marketplace Shopping Center, 2812 I-45 N., Conroe

A new $617 million natural gas power plant is slated to be built in east Houston after the project was selected for a loan by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

About the project: North American power company NRG Energy’s 455 megawatt power plant will provide power from the company’s Greens Bayou Generating Station to Electric Reliability Council of Texas' grid beginning in 2028. The new plant will connect with ERCOT’s Houston Load Zone, which provides power to Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands, and is one of Texas’ largest electricity centers.

Quote of note: “Our investment at Greens Bayou reflects NRG’s commitment to delivering dependable, dispatchable generation when Texans need it most,” said Robert J. Gaudette, NRG executive vice president and president of NRG business and wholesale operations. “These units will strengthen grid resilience, create local jobs and support economic vitality.”